When I began learning from my elders and community about our scriptures, deities, and gods, my understanding was limited to only appreciating the divinity of the characters. Every act of theirs felt like part of a play. There was a lack of sensitivity to their struggles, strength of their character in overcoming challenges, and their […]
As Nepal grapples with the deaths and destruction resulting from the March 28 protests, the country continues to debate its core demand: the restoration of the monarchy and Hindu state identity. Two people lost their lives, at least 100 were injured, and numerous vehicles and businesses were set on fire during the protests, prompting the […]
OSWALD PEREIRA examines an interesting phenomenon, ‘export and import of our spiritual gurus’ — a strange paradox of our sages being better known in the West than in India, and the people in the country honouring them by virtue of their foreign-returned ‘glory’ In a discussion on my book, Beyond Autobiography of a Yogi, with members of […]
As the year draws to a close, the air fills with a familiar energy: hope, anticipation, and the universal tradition of making resolutions. People chart their goals, envision fresh starts, and cling to the optimism that a new year inevitably brings. Yet, amidst these rituals, one truth quietly stands: nothing is truly in our hands. […]
By OSWALD PEREIRA While we celebrate Diwali this year, let’s make out a special prayer to all our Gods to include that very important ingredient—religious harmony—in our cocktail of celebrations, says OSWALD PEREIRA God created human beings, wanting them to be gentle, loving and caring. Our true eternal, combined Father and Mother—God—built all of us in […]
Towards the end of August, when the air was still rife with patriotic fervour, the editorial team at Vitasta began work on a series of books coincidentally all written by retired defence personnel — and so we had a pleasant month dealing with some absolute gentlemen authors on books that highlighted the importance of our […]
This is a gripping story of two young women and an autistic girl child fighting back to uphold the dignity of an honest and dedicated Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Scientist whose inspirational leadership enabled the country to acquire a ‘Space Weapon’, but found dead under mysterious circumstances during an official visit to Germany. In […]
Last month, our Publishing Director, Renu Kaul Verma, who set up Vitasta exactly 20 years ago and who never misses coming to office, unexpectedly lost her young son, 18-year-old Advaitha in a heart-numbing tragedy. At the prayer meeting held in young Advaitha’s memory, it became apparent to the packed auditorium at the India International Centre that the family […]
During the last 15 years or so I have visited Darul Uloom, Deoband, numerous times. Based on my personal interaction with the faculty and students there and the leaders of Jamiat Ulema-i Hind in New Delhi, I have always wondered about the incorrect reporting on Darul Uloom or any incident involving a madrasah being referred […]
A WhatsApp message arrived from an author earlier this week. Like an overexcited schoolgirl, I hit the forward button immediately, sending it to Renu Kaul Verma, Vitasta’s director (no harm in the editorial team at Vitasta scoring brownie points, with Renu, I thought to myself). Here’s what the author had sent in her whatsapp message: […]
